CVE-2012-3791 in Simple Web Content Management System
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Simple Web Content Management System 1.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter to (1) item_delete.php, (2) item_status.php, (3) item_detail.php, (4) item_modify.php, or (5) item_position.php in admin/; or (6) status parameter to admin/item_status.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-3791 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Simple Web Content Management System version 1.1. This vulnerability resides in the administrative backend components of the CMS, specifically affecting several key file operations that handle content management tasks. The flaw manifests when user-supplied input is directly incorporated into SQL query constructions without proper sanitization or parameterization, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database operations through crafted input parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability spans across multiple administrative endpoints within the CMS, including item_delete.php, item_status.php, item_detail.php, item_modify.php, and item_position.php located in the admin/ directory structure. Additionally, the status parameter in admin/item_status.php presents a separate vector for exploitation. These files collectively handle various content management operations such as deleting items, modifying item statuses, viewing item details, and adjusting item positions within the content hierarchy. The common thread among these endpoints is their reliance on user-provided identifiers and status values to construct dynamic SQL queries, which creates consistent attack surfaces where malicious input can be injected into the database layer.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data manipulation, as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. This level of access enables attackers to perform unauthorized data reads, writes, updates, and deletions across the entire content management system database. The implications include potential complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and the ability to establish persistent access through database-level backdoors or credential theft. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, modify content in ways that could compromise system integrity, or even gain access to sensitive administrative information that could be used for further attacks.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate parameterization of database queries, representing fundamental security misconfigurations that violate secure coding principles. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects administrative functions that typically require elevated privileges, meaning successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise. Organizations using this CMS version face significant risk of unauthorized access to their content management systems, potentially leading to data breaches, content tampering, and service disruption that could affect business operations and customer trust.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the Simple Web Content Management System to version 1.2 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. In the interim, administrators should implement input validation measures such as parameterized queries, prepared statements, and strict input sanitization for all user-supplied parameters. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and access control lists can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system components, while database access controls should be tightened to limit the privileges of database accounts used by the CMS application. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping content management systems updated and implementing proper secure coding practices to prevent injection attacks that could compromise entire database environments.